Mesh lighting system for emergency vehicles

ABSTRACT

A mesh lighting system for emergency vehicles and method for retrofitting a vehicle with emergency lights is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of independent signalling light sources each supplied by a dedicated source of energy, a control module, and a low powered wireless network connecting said control module with the plurality of light sources. The plurality of independent signalling light sources emit at least one light flash in response to a control signal received from the control module.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), of U.S.provisional application Ser. No. 61/296,587, filed on Jan. 20, 2010which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a mesh lighting system for emergencyvehicles. In particular, the present invention relates to portablewireless lighting system suitable for retrofit in a conventional vehiclesuch as a rental car without requiring modifications to the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Emergency vehicles such as police cars, ambulances and the like aretypically equipped with visual signalling such as flashing lights andstrobes, to indicate their presence to other road users. Such flashinglights and strobes are typically hardwired into the electrical system ofthe vehicle in question. Other such lights may be retrofit by attachinga light unit to the automobile and taking advantage, for example, of anappropriate adapter inserted into the lighter outlet.

One drawback of such systems is that they typically require modificationto the vehicles electrical system. This provides difficulties, forexample, when security or emergency personnel are operating in regionswhere the vehicles must be temporarily leased and where modification ofthe vehicle in question proves an unsuitable alternative. Additionally,existing retrofit units typically comprise a control/power unit and oneor more lighting units interconnected using wires. Such retrofit unitsare cumbersome and difficult to employ on a large variety of vehiclesgiven the difference in distances between the control/power unit and thelight sources. Also, as the control/power unit is within the automobileand the light sources typically on the outside of the vehicle, a cablemust pass through an open window or door jamb which leads to asubstandard implementation.

Another drawback is that prior art retrofit systems typically include alarge light bar which is cumbersome, not readily portable and difficultto attach to many vehicles which might otherwise be used by emergencypersonnel.

What is needed therefore, and an object of the present invention, is alighting system for emergency vehicles comprising a variety ofsignalling light sources synchronised using a wireless communicationsystem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to address the drawbacks of the prior art, there is provided amesh lighting system for emergency vehicles. The system comprises aplurality of independent signalling light sources each supplied by adedicated source of energy, a control module, a low powered wirelessnetwork connecting the control module with the plurality of lightsources, wherein the plurality of independent signalling light sourcesemit at least one light flash in response to a control signal receivedfrom the control module.

There is also disclosed a method for retrofitting a vehicle with anemergency lighting system. The method comprises providing a plurality ofindependent signalling light sources each supplied by a dedicated sourceof energy and placing the light sources about the vehicle so they arevisible from a vehicle exterior, each independent signalling lightsources comprising a fastener for fastening to the vehicle, andinterconnecting each of the independent signalling light sources with acontrol module using a low powered wireless network. Each of theplurality of independent signalling light sources emits at least onelight flash in response to a control signal received from the controlmodule via the low powered wireless network.

Additionally, there is disclosed a portable kit lighting system foremergency vehicles. The kit comprises a plurality of independentsignalling light sources each comprising a dedicated standardisedbattery, a control module, a sound emitting source, a plurality ofreplacement batteries, an instruction manual, and a rugged sealableplastic box comprising a foam liner comprising a series of cut-outsconfigured, one of each of the cut-outs for receiving a respective oneof the plurality of independent signalling light sources, the controlmodule, the sound emitting source and the plurality of replacementbatteries.

Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention willbecome more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictivedescription of specific embodiments thereof, given by way of exampleonly with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a mesh lighting system in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a control unit for use in a meshlighting system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a light source for use in a meshlighting system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4A is a front raised perspective view of a mesh lighting systemmounted on a vehicle in accordance with an illustrative embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 4B is a left rear raised perspective view of a mesh lighting systemmo7unted on a vehicle in accordance with an illustrative embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 4C is a left side view of a light source mounted to a vehicle usinga magnet and clip in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4D is a left side view of a light source mounted to a window on theinside of a vehicle using an adhesive shroud in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4E is a left side view of a light source mounted to a visor behindthe windscreen on the inside of a vehicle using a clip in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the electronics of a horn module inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a raised front view of a kit comprising a mesh lighting systemand instructions for operation in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1, and in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the present invention, a mesh lighting system, generallyreferred to using the reference numeral 10, will now be described. Themesh lighting system is illustratively comprised of a control unit 12and a plurality of small portable self powered light sources 14interconnected using wireless communication links as in 16 for thetransfer of control signals.

Still referring to FIG. 1, although the present illustrative embodimentdiscloses a distinct control unit 12 for powering the plurality of lightsources 14, in an alternative embodiment one of the light sources 14would act as a master and provide the requisite control with theremaining light sources as in 14 slaved to the master.

Referring to FIG. 2, the control unit 12 is illustrativelymicroprocessor controlled and comprises a Central Processing Unit (CPU)18 and supportive memory (Read Only Memory, ROM, 20, and Random AccessMemory, RAM, 22). The ROM 20 has typically stored therein basicoperating software, default settings and the like. RAM 22, which can bein the form of non-volatile static RAM or flashable EEPROM or the like,allows for the provision of software updates, user settings, and thelike. The RAM 22 can be included on board the control unit 12 orintroduced via a flash card interface (not shown), for example throughprovision of a suitable Micro SD interface or the like. Alternatively aUSB interface could be provided (also not shown) and additional RAM 22provided using a memory stick or the like. The controller also includesa User Interface 24, such as a keypad and display, touch screen, orother suitable interface means for allowing the user to input requisitecontrol and configuration information and receive information regardingdevice status, battery power and the like. Additionally, anInput/Output, I/O, transceiver 28 and antennae 30 is provided forinterconnecting the control unit 12 with the plurality of light sources(references 14 in FIG. 1) in order to provide the requisite controlsignals. The transceiver 28 is preferably limited to a secure shortrange operation, for example using Bluetooth™, Zigbee or the like, orcould be provided via for example via a low power wireless ad hocnetwork.

Still referring to FIG. 2, in a particular embodiment the I/Otransceiver 28 can also provide an interface for updating the ROM 20 andRAM 22, for example in the case of software updates and the like, andfunction as a means for interconnecting a portion of the user interface24 with the CPU 18 (for example, through provision of a Bluetooth™transceiver and Bluetooth™ compatible input and output devices).

Still referring to FIG. 2, a power source 32 is illustratively alsoprovided for powering the control unit 12, for example a battery or thelike. In a particular embodiment power could also be provided through anexternal means such as an appropriate adaptor for insertion into thein-car cigarette lighter socket (both not shown).

In an illustrative embodiment the control unit 12 is in the form of akey fob or the like and wherein the user interface 24 comprises one ormore buttons (not shown) for controlling the operation light sources asin 14. In a particular embodiment, the control unit would comprise four(4) buttons, for example for turning the system on and off, forilluminating the various independent light sources as in 14 as well as,as will be seen below, controlling emission of sounds from the soundemitting source. Illustratively, combinations of buttons could be usedto place the mesh lighting system 10 in different modes.

Referring to FIG. 3, similar to the control unit 12, each of theplurality of light sources 14 illustratively is microprocessorcontrolled and comprises a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 34 andsupportive ROM 36 and RAM 38. Again, the ROM 36 has typically storedtherein basic operating software, default settings and the like. RAM 38,which can be in the form of non-volatile static RAM or flashable EEPROMor the like, allows for the provision of software updates, usersettings, and the like. The RAM 38 can be included on board the lightsource 14 or introduced via a flash card interface (not shown), forexample through provision of a suitable Micro SD interface or the like.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the light source 14 further comprises anInput/Output, or I/O, transceiver 40 and antenna 42 for communicationwith the control unit 12 and via which the control unit 12 providescontrol signals. The control signals are used by the CPU 34 incombination with an LED driver 44 to selectively illuminate one or moreLEDs as in 46. Illustratively, the LEDs 46 are driven by the CPU 34 anddriver 44 to illuminate, for example, in one of a variety of colours,intensities, periodicity and the like, each of which may be dictated bythe control signals received from the control unit 12. A typicalillumination for police operations, for example, would comprise acombination of red and blue LEDs operating with a strobe effect.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the light source 14 further comprises a userinterface 48, typically comprising at least an on/off switch butadditionally could further comprise a means for introducing userconfiguration information, for example by selecting a particularsignalling mode or the like. Similar to the control unit, the userinterface 48 could be provided in part via the I/O transceiver 40, forexample through provision of a Bluetooth™ compatible interface and oneor more Bluetooth™ compatible user input devices (not shown).

Still referring to FIG. 3, a local source of power 50 is also provided,for example a battery or the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the mesh light sources 14 are placedabout the vehicle 52 at strategic locations for example on the hood 54or trunk 56 or behind the windscreen 58 and windows 60 or on the roof 62(using for example a belt 64 and clip 66 assembly as shown inserted intothe door frame or gutters of the vehicle 52, as indicated.

Referring now to FIG. 4C, an exemplary embodiment of the light source 14comprising one or more LEDs 46 covered by a protective lens 68 and apower source 50 for attachment to the outer surface of the vehicle 52 isprovided. In this regard, the light source 14 can be secured to ferrousmetal surfaces using a rare earth magnet 70 or the like attached to arearward side of the light source 14. In alternative embodimentssuctions cups or adhesive materials such as double side tape or Velcro(all not shown) could also be used. Additionally, in order to improvethe adherence of the light 14 to the vehicle an anti-sliding clip 72 canbe provided which is adapted for insertion, for example, and referringto FIG. 4A in addition to FIG. 4C, between the hood 54 and windscreen 58or, with reference to FIG. 4B in addition to FIG. 4C, in the gap betweenthe trunk 56 and the vehicle 52 as indicated.

Referring now to FIG. 4D, in accordance with a first alternativeembodiment of a light source 14 and in order to attach the light sources14 to the inside of one of the windows 66, the light source 14 can beadditionally equipped with an adhesive shroud 74 which secures the lightto the inside 76 of the window 66 using suction such that the light ispropagated outward through the window 66. An exemplary version of such alight and shroud can be found in co-owned US Provisional Application No.61/178,255 filed on May 14, 2009 which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

Referring now to FIG. 4E, in accordance with a second alternativeembodiment of a light source 14 and in order to attach the light sources14 to the inside of the vehicle 52 and behind the windscreen 58, a visorclip 78 is provided for securing the light source 14 to the visor 80.Additionally, soft rubber seal 82 can be provided which sits snuglyagainst the inside of the windscreen 58 allowing for suction and acushioning seal while reducing glare and the like from the LEDs 46.

Referring to FIG. 5 in addition to FIG. 4A, in an alternative embodimenta warning sound source 84 such as a horn module would also be providedfor behind the front grill 86 of the vehicle and would be activatedremotely by the control unit 12. The warning sound source 84 wouldillustratively comprise a CPU 86, ROM/RAM 88, an audio interface 90including at least one speaker 92 for generating audio signals and anI/O transceiver 94 (such as a Bluetooth™ transceiver) comprising anantenna 96 for communicating with the control unit 12 and other externaldevices such as microphone enabled device 98 and the like. The ROM hastypically stored therein basic operating software, default settings andthe like and the RAM, which can be in the form of non-volatile staticRAM or flashable EEPROM or the like, allows for the provision ofsoftware updates, user settings, and the like as well as default audiostrings such as sirens, horns, etc.

Still referring to FIG. 5, in a particular embodiment the warning soundsource 84 would be patched into the battery (not shown) of the vehicle52 but could also be provided with an independent power source 100. Thewarning sound source 84 could also include a means, such as a USBinterface 102 or the like, for downloading customised horn sounds to thewarning sound source 84, for example using MP3 files or the like.Additionally, the I/O transceiver 94 (such as a Bluetooth™ transceiver)could be provided and the user provided with a microphone enabled device98, such that the warning sound source 84 could be used to wirelesslyreceive, amplify and subsequently broadcast voice.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the various components of the mesh lightingsystem 10, i.e. the control unit 12, light sources as in 14 and warningsound source 84, are illustratively packed into a convenient ruggedplastic box 104, illustratively comprising a base 106, lid 108, lockablelatches 110, a carrying handle 112 and a padded foam liner 114 withcustomized cut-outs 116 for receiving the various components. A seriesof instructions 118 are included therein regarding the use andmaintenance of the components mesh lighting system 10 as well assupplementary batteries as in 120 for powering the various devices.

Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way ofspecific embodiments thereof, it can be modified, without departing fromthe spirit and nature of the subject invention as defined in theappended claims.

1-17. (canceled)
 18. A mesh lighting system for an emergency vehiclecomprising: a plurality of batteries unconnected to the vehicleelectrical system and a plurality of independent signalling lightsources, each of said light sources comprising a receiver and powered bya different dedicated collocated one of said batteries; a control modulecomprising a transmitter; a low powered wireless network for wirelesslyconnecting said control module transmitter with each of said pluralityof light sources; and a toolless fastener for removeably attaching eachof said light sources and their respective dedicated collocated batteryto the vehicle; wherein said plurality of independent signalling lightsources emit at least one light flash in response to a control signalreceived from said control module via said low powered wireless network.19. The mesh lighting system of claim 18, wherein said low poweredwireless network is a Bluetooth network.
 20. The mesh lighting system ofclaim 18, further comprising at least one sound emitting source, whereinsaid sound emitting source emits a pre-recorded sound in response to acontrol signal received from said control module.
 21. The mesh lightingsystem of claim 20, further comprising a microphone and aninterconnection between said sound emitting source and said microphonefor transmitting sounds received by said microphone to said soundemitting source, said sound emitting source emitting said transmittedsounds.
 22. The mesh lighting system of claim 21, wherein saidinterconnection is provided by a Bluetooth network.
 23. The meshlighting system of claim 18, wherein each of said plurality ofindependent signalling light sources comprises at least one LED in ahousing and supplied by said dedicated collocated battery.
 24. The meshlighting system of claim 23, wherein said toolless fastener is a magnet.25. The mesh lighting system of claim 23, wherein said toolless fasteneris a visor clip.
 26. The mesh lighting system of claim 23, wherein saidtoolless fastener comprises a belt and clip assembly for attaching atleast one of said light sources to a roof of the vehicle.
 27. The meshlighting system of claim 23, wherein said toolless fastener is a suctioncup.
 28. The mesh lighting system of claim 27, wherein each of saidplurality of independent light sources comprises at least one lightemitting LED and a translucent lens covering said LED, wherein saidsuction cup comprises an inner adhering surface and wherein saidtranslucent lens is positioned towards a centre of said suction cup suchthat when said inner adhering surface is pressed against a window of thevehicle, said inner surface is retained against the window by a suctionforce and light emitted by said light source propagates through thewindow.
 29. A method for retrofitting a vehicle with an emergencylighting system comprising: toollessly fastening a plurality ofindependent signalling light sources each supplied by a differentdedicated collocated battery to the vehicle so they are visible from avehicle exterior; and interconnecting a receiver of each of saidindependent signalling light sources with a transmitter of a controlmodule using a low powered wireless network; wherein each of saidplurality of independent signalling light sources emits a flashing lightsequence in response to a control signal received from said controlmodule via said low powered wireless network.
 30. The method forretrofitting a vehicle with an emergency lighting system of claim 29,further comprising providing a sound emitting source and interconnectingsaid sound emitting source with said control module using said lowpowered wireless network wherein said sound emitting source emits apre-recorded sound in response to a control signal received from saidcontrol module.
 31. The method for retrofitting a vehicle with anemergency lighting system of claim 29, further comprising fastening atleast one of said independent signalling light sources such that theyare directed rearwards relative to the vehicle and at least one of saidindependent signalling light sources such that they are directedforwards relative to the vehicle.
 32. The method for retrofitting avehicle with an emergency lighting system of claim 31, furthercomprising fastening a pair of said independent signalling light sourcessuch that they are directed sideways relative to the vehicle and in adirection opposite to one another.
 33. The method for retrofitting avehicle with an emergency lighting system of claim 31, furthercomprising fastening at least one of said independent signalling lightsources on a roof of the vehicle.